What is the retina?
The retina is a collection of cells that form the outermost layer of the back of the eye.
The retina is made up of two types of cells called photoreceptors:
- Cones: located in the macula, the centre of the retina. This part of the retina is responsible for central vision, daytime vision, and for distinguishing details and colours.
- Rods: predominantly located in the outer areas of the retina. Rods allow the perception of the visual field up to 180 degrees, and are responsible for night vision.
Several types of retinal disease exist:
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Retinal detachment.
What are the symptoms of retinal disease?
Depending on the area of the retina affected, symptoms differ:
- If the macula is affected, symptoms include an alteration in colour vision, vision distortion or the appearance of scotoma (blind spot).
- If the rods are affected, you may have trouble seeing at night (or suffer daytime blindness) and experience a reduction in the visual field.
How is retinal disease treated?
A number of procedures are used to treat retinal disease, notably:
- Retinal surgery, performed in ELSAN’s specialised departments. Surgical techniques include vitrectomy and scleral buckling.
- For wet macular degeneration (AMD), one injection of anti-angiogenic drugs per month is required.
- For dry macular degeneration (AMD), on the other hand, no treatment is currently available.
Which specialist to consult in case of eye disease ?
The afore-mentioned conditions are diagnosed by an ophthalmologist through:
- A retinal CT scan
- An angiography
- A tomography of the eye.
Preparing for your hospital stay with ELSAN in France
How can I make an appointment ?
How much does an ELSAN hospital stay cost?
How will my treatment be organised?
FAQ
How can I obtain a visa?
To obtain your visa for France, you will need to apply to the French Embassy in your country of residence. Once you have paid the care cost estimate provided by the ELSAN International Patients Department, you will be sent a letter of invitation and a certificate of payment signed by the hospital where your procedure will take place. These documents should be attached to your visa application.
What about follow-up treatment?
Depending on your personal situation, your medical team may recommend a rehabilitation hospital stay. This will be discussed with you.
How long before I can fly?
Your doctor will make specific recommendations. We suggest that you ask them to issue a Fit to Fly certificate, as depending on your medical situation, it may be necessary to respect a certain time limit in the interest of your health.
Will I be reimbursed?
For patients not covered by French health insurance, we provide an estimate of the cost of treatment. You should submit this estimate, along with your treatment plan, to your insurer to obtain their prior agreement, in accordance with your insurance policy.
In some cases insurers will pay directly (avoiding any advance payments by the policyholder) or reimburse the policyholder on proof of payment (paid invoice). This will depend on your insurance policy.